USAF, JASDF strengthen maintenance ties during annual F-15C lift drill

Photo By Senior Airman James Johnson | U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force 9th Air Wing Maintenance and Supply Group pose for a photo in front of a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2025. JASDF was invited to watch 18th EMS Airmen who were renewing their annual certification to prepare them to safely and quickly recover aircraft in any scenario. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Johnson)  

KADENA AIR BASE, JAPAN

04.24.2025

Story by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez 

18th Wing

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Airmen from the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron hosted
members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 9th Air Wing to observe an annual certification
process that demonstrates the lift of a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, at Kadena Air Base, Japan,
April 23, 2025.

Airmen from the 18th EMS lifted an F-15C as part of their certification requirement. The
certification process happens every year in order for maintainers to renew their skillsets. JASDF
maintainers spectated the aircraft lift and together shared techniques used during their
emergency aircraft recovery response.

“The important part is making sure you recover the aircraft as safely and quickly as possible,”
said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Macababbad-Lanning, 18th EMS aircraft recovery
journeyman. “Making sure that you’re on the same page helps make sure that everybody is safe
and that the aircraft is recovered safely.”

JASDF spectated the training which enhances cross-communication and operational flexibility
between both teams. The Language Enabled Airman Program, a U.S. Air Force volunteer
program, supports the application of air and space power through strengthening partnerships
which helps facilitate bilateral events such as this F-15C lift. Having a synchronized aircraft
crash recovery plan is critical to ensure airpower and security.
Bilateral training and exercises emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise
during recovery operations. Tech. Sgt. Austin Wisshack-Kurz, 18th EMS crash damage disabled
aircraft team chief, emphasized the importance of working together due to many challenges the
teams may face during non-ideal scenarios.

“Getting to know more about the way we do things and the way they operate can really help us
both out,” said Wisshack-Kurz. “We can learn a lot from each other.”

Strengthening alliances and partnerships shows the 18th Wing’s commitment to working with
regional allies to provide forward power in the Indo-Pacific region. Demonstrations like this allow
Airmen to work on various aircraft, regardless of nationality, broadening their knowledge of
aircraft recovery maintenance and their ability to support the 18th Wing.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2025
• Date Posted: 07.01.2025 02:53
• Story ID: 501654
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, JP